School Winter Concert 2014

Before the School Winter Holiday, we attended Brandon's Winter Concert at his elementary school. I was there the previous day for the afternoon dress rehearsal as well a the performance night. The kids and the teacher did an amazing job with the displays. The surprise ending was when the teachers were on stage and did a performance with the school principle in a "Grinch" costume. I had a chance to take a few photos of Brandon and his class performing their song.






Brief video of Brandon's Grade 1 Winter Concert.

Kids Academy Apps: Alphabet Tracing & Story Books

Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games

Based on the proven Montessori approach this new free app from Kids Academy opens the door to the exciting world of children's books and songs! Develop early reading skills, encourage language development, enrich vocabulary, boost cognitive pattern recognition and more through a set of fun educational games.






Features:

• Original illustrations on every page
• Professional voice over
• Amusing sound effects
• Age-appropriate content with a happy ending
• Enjoy the iconic Five Little Monkeys and Bingo songs
• Sing along in Karaoke mode
• Record your own songs and stories
• A collection of farm animals cards to play with
• Make up fun animal stories and have them recorded

MY THOUGHTS: Nice, adorable illustrations and keeps my little one entertained. I find this app quite useful and has helped with improving his reading skills as well as his language speech development.  The selection of children's books are something we are all familiar with and easy to understand. Love the sound effects. Another great feature we love is that we can record our own songs and stories.

Alphabet Tracing & Montessori Educational Math Puzzle for Toddler

Learning to write has never been more fun! With Montessori Worksheets for Kids Free your kids will not only learn to write letters, but will also develop good handwriting skills! The app turns the learning process into what kids love the most - a game!






Features:

• Two levels of difficulty
• Tracing letters with hints
• Clean graphics
• Soft and encouraging voice over
• Clear voice instructions
• Kids learn at their own pace

MY THOUGHTS:  Excellent app that teaches children to write uppercase and lowercase letters.  I like how the kids get rewarded for their performance: 3 stars for successful task accomplishment at first or second attempt, 2 stars if they had three or four attempts at tracing and writing, and one star if they had more than five tries. It kept my little one interested when he earns rewards. Little Brandon still needs to learn to write words either all in lowercase or all in uppercase. He's mixing it together most of the time.



Disclosure:I am receiving compensation in exchange of my review in this post. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts.

Kidorable Dinosaur Rain Coat {Review} + Umbrella Giveaway

It's been raining all week here in the rainy city of Vancouver. It's time to get on the rain gear. How's the weather in your area? We have a dinosaur rain coat we received from Kidorable and little Brandon loves it. We get a lot of comments when we're at school or at the mall with people asking where we bought it and how cute it is. I happily told them about Kidorable and that they offer a variety of designs for both boys and girls.


What little Brandon and I like about this rain coat is that it is soft, durable and really nice quality. Mostly we like the softness. The outer layer is waterproof, keeps him dry while the inside layer is cloth that keeps him comfy and warm. He usually wears it over his jackets. And he always look so cute and smiley in his "adorable" Kidorable rain coat.


FEATURES:

• More than just a raincoat, these can be worn every day, all spring and fall
• Comes with a free Kidorable hanger
• Available sizes: 12-18 months, 1T, 2T, 3T, 4T, 4/5, 5/6 and 6/6X
• Comfy printed nylon lining
• Dinosaur pockets and stylish design

Still searching for that perfect gift for the little ones on their list? Don’t fret.  Kidorable has the fun, imagination-inspiring presents that children love (in stock and ready to ship in time for the holidays).

From now through December 23, get a free pair of Kidorable gloves or mittens with any purchase of $20 or more. Just use coupon code PERFECT at checkout. Be sure they add the gloves or mittens to their cart first. Plus, everything is 25% off right now (as of December 2014).

So relax and enjoy some holiday sweet treats in front of your computer as you choose the best children’s holidays gifts at www.kidorable.com.

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Kidorable Umbrella of their choice! Contest is open to US and  Canadians, 18+ (Giveaway ends January 20th, 2015 at 12am EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

{Please wait while entry form loads...}   a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product(s) from Kidorable at no charge in exchange for a review in this post. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Splash Math {App Review} #FreeMathApp

I only give Little Brandon educational apps and would sometimes allow games as a treat. I've heard about Splash Math and I had the chance to try it out with him.

Splash Math - Grades 1 to 5 App by StudyPad, Inc.

Splash Math Grades 1 to 5 app is a collection of fun and interactive math problems aligned to Common Core Standards. The app reinforces math concepts with self-paced and adaptive practice anytime, anywhere.

 My little one always enjoy learning when it's fun. This is the perfect app with fun activities that he doesn't get bored of. His teacher commented one day that he's really great with his math. I was was quite proud to hear that. I think this app helped with his math skills.

 
The app features:

• Self paced math practice program
• Explanation for wrong answers
• Scratchpad for rough work
• Virtual rewards and games
• Monitor progress with real-time progress dashboard
• Progress synced across multiple iPads, desktops and laptops.

Splash Math - Preschool to Kindergarten by StudyPad, Inc.

Prequel to the successful Splash Math Series Grades 1 to 5 - Splash Math Kindergarten app allows kids to get started with Math practice in fun way. Ideal for kids 3-6 years in age, it’s a superb math game for kids in preschool and kindergarten.

Another great math app by the same company. It helps my little one get ready for preschool and kindergarten learning. The interface is easy to navigate and little one really likes the characters and colorful graphics that provided him more interest. 

The app features:

• Numbers– 0 to 20; represent numbers
  Counting - count up to 20; counting forward, counting with objects and numbers
• Comparisons – compare numbers and groups
• Addition Concepts – Add with/without pictures, addition word problems, make a ten
• Subtraction – Subtract with/without pictures, addition word problems, subtraction sentence
• Geometry – identify 2D/3D shapes and figures, positional words
• Measurement – classify by color, size or object; length, width, weight, capacity

Join the 8 million+ users!
Download Splash Math on iTunes!

Get SplashMath for Grades 1-5

Get SplashMath for Pre-K

Or check them out on Google Play, Facebook, and Twitter

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Write a short review of any Splash Math app on the iTunes App Store. If you have already reviewed Splash Math app, simply update your review. Send an email to giveaway@splashmath.com with your iTunes nickname and the app you reviewed.





Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and StudyPad Inc. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts.

Brandon's Taekwondo Yellow Belt Test

It was a long day for us. I picked up Little Brandon from school and we went straight to the Centre to get ready for the Taekwondo Test. It was his yellow belt promotion test. Before we arrived, he was definitely nervous. I gave him a snack and told him I added a bit of luck into it to make him feel better. At the end of the test, everyone did a great job and was promoted to their next level. I am proud of Little Brandon for trying his best.

Congratulations to everyone!


Brandon doing some kicks and board-breaking...




Thanks to the amazing instructors (Master Woo and Instructor Liam) for the excellent training and making it fun for the kids!


And a special thanks to Master Kook for the opportunity to be part of his Taekwondo Community.

Kinderfeets Chalkboard Balance Bike Giveaway

Welcome to the Kinderfeets Balance Bike Giveaway!

Sponsored by Kinderfeets

Hosted by NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by Simply Sherryl

.
Christmas is just weeks away! Kinderfeets Balance Bikes are perfect for any toddler.

The Kinderfeets is designed by a Dutch designer living in California. He originally made this bike for his son because what he wanted was not available. So what makes the Kinderfeets Balance Bike different than the other wooden balance bikes? The Kinderfeets Balance Bike is painted with a chalkboard finish to allow your child to customize their bike. Not only is this a balance bike but it can be your child's work of art! All Kinderfeets Bikes are handmade with wood from fast growing birch trees. They are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This well designed, eco-friendly balance bike is made for toddlers as young as 2 years of age and will grow with your child with a simple adjustment of the seat. It has a footrest strategically positioned where pedals would normally be. It has an adjustable, washable, cushioned seat and a low step through frame to accommodate the youngest balance bike rider. It also comes with no air no maintenance biodegradable tires.

FEATURES:

• Helps build balance and coordination
• Made of solid wood with chalkboard sides
• Tires requires NO air
• Removable, washable seat cover
• Chalk included

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Kinderfeets Chalkboard Balance Bike. Contest is open to US residents only, 18+ (Giveaway ends December 23rd, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

{Please wait while entry form loads...}  a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. .  All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

For the Kids Holiday Giveaway

Welcome to the "For the Kids" Holiday Giveaway!

Hosted by:
Queen of Savings, Tammie's Reviews Giveaways & More, Mommy Makes Time, Baltimore Mom, Dividing by Zero, Dawns Delight Art, Central Bargains & Giveaways, Giveaway Lovers & EasterBabe's Theory

Sponsored by:
TRENDiY Art, Silverlit, Green Toys, NanoBlock & BrushBuddies
 

TRENDiY Art - Edgy and fashion forward - it's Trendy Art! These high quality arts and craft kits include a 60 page magazine with instructions and how to fashion tips for the most discriminating 'fashionista'. Create your own style and set yourself apart!

Silverlit Nano Falcon - Smaller than 82mm and weighs less than 11g, this 3 channel indoor helicopter flies up and down; forward and backward; left and right. Built-in Gyro Stabilizer makes flying easier. Precise variable speed rotor delivers excellent flying control. Pre-selected tri band system. Slim design for transmitter.

Green Toys Helicopter - Up, up, and away! The high-flying Green Toys® Helicopter is ready for action! This eco-friendly chopper is made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and features two spinning rotors and sleek skids on the bottom for easy landings. The Helicopter includes a pilot bear figure that fits perfectly in the spacious cockpit that's complete with a full dashboard and the Green Toys' signature 8-track. No BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Packaged with recyclable materials and printed with soy ink.

NanoBlock - Nanoblock is a mico-sized building block system with its smallest piece being a mere 4mmX4mmX5mm. Challenging and fun for all the construction enthusiasts in the family, nanoblock lets you build in greater detail than ever before.

BrushBuddies - Brush Buddies started with one goal in mind, to develop quality products that make brushing fun! Over the years we have successfully accomplished that goal by creating an adorable group of character-based toothbrushes and great oral care products that families and dentists across the world have come to know and love. Each of our Brush Buddies products are unique and include a wide variety of features ranging from our everyday manual toothbrushes to our top pop artist singing toothbrushes. Any way you look at it, Brush Buddies simply... make brushing fun!

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

Prizes: TRENDiY Art Craft Kit, Silverlit Nano Falcon Micro R/C Helicopter, Green Toys Helicopter, NanoBlock and BrushBuddies Toothbrushes (RV $150)

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive all of the above items. Contest is open to US residents only, 18+ (Giveaway ends December 17th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

{Please wait while entry form loads...} 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. .  All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.